Political Intelligence

Education

Learning From Lincoln

Russell Razzaque M.D. on February 19, 2013

From Lincoln to Ghandi to the Dalai Lama, it is compassion that has always been the driving force behind history's greatest heroes

From Lincoln to Ghandi to the Dalai Lama, it is compassion that has always been the driving force behind history's greatest heroes

Career

The Eleventh Hour Looms Again

Russell Razzaque M.D. on December 29, 2012

Here we are in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Why does this feel like déjà vu?

Here we are in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Why does this feel like déjà vu?

Leadership

The Compassion Nation

Russell Razzaque M.D. on November 7, 2012

Before the wheels of government churn back into action post-election, there's time for a brief moment of reflection.

Before the wheels of government churn back into action post-election, there's time for a brief moment of reflection.

Politics

The Sport Of Politics

Russell Razzaque M.D. on September 4, 2012

Politics can be a lot like sport, but governing is not. The problem right now is that many in Washington can't make that distinction.

Politics can be a lot like sport, but governing is not. The problem right now is that many in Washington can't make that distinction.

Environment

Compassion In Colorado

Russell Razzaque M.D. on July 23, 2012

For all the cruelty and violence a mass killer rains upon his innocents victims, it is always the kindness shown by people on the scene that strikes us most powerfully and moves us most deeply.

For all the cruelty and violence a mass killer rains upon his innocents victims, it is always the kindness shown by people on the scene that strikes us most powerfully and moves us most deeply.

Law and Crime

Colorado Calling

Russell Razzaque M.D. on July 21, 2012

The Colorado shooting and Jessica Ghawi's tragic story is a painful reminder of the one thing we spend our lives trying to forget; in her words, "we don’t know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath.”

The Colorado shooting and Jessica Ghawi's tragic story is a painful reminder of the one thing we spend our lives trying to forget; in her words, "we don’t know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath.”

We all fall prey to an inner paranoia from time to time. The problems arise when we start to take it seriously, and that is especially true in politics.

Almost every President or serious contender for the office has been fundamentally driven by something beyond themselves. In an election, our mission is to find out what that is.

Decision-Making

The Myth of Objectivity

Russell Razzaque M.D. on June 19, 2012

Can anyone ever really be objective? The sooner we realize this is not possible, the better off we will be, both personally and nationally.

Can anyone ever really be objective? The sooner we realize this is not possible, the better off we will be, both personally and nationally.

Emotional Intelligence

The Universal Value of Emotional Intelligence

Russell Razzaque M.D. on June 14, 2012

High emotional intelligence is a fundamental ingredient of success at every level, from the personal to the political.

High emotional intelligence is a fundamental ingredient of success at every level, from the personal to the political.

Opposing energies exist everywhere in life, and politics is no exception. The capacity for balance is the most important characeristic any leader needs to demonstrate

A test of good leadership is whether or not a leader is willing to venture into the unknown once in a while, particularly on matters of principle. The President's announcement on gay marriage falls into this category and seems to be having an effect already

Motivation

Wanting It Too Much

Russell Razzaque M.D. on May 23, 2012

Desire can be as constructive as it is destructive, in life as well as in politics.

Desire can be as constructive as it is destructive, in life as well as in politics.

Politics

The Golden Rule

Russell Razzaque M.D. on May 17, 2012

Nobody knows where this Golden Rule came from, but it is the one doctrine that runs through virtually every belief system and religion known to man, and it should be the guiding principle for our politics too.

Nobody knows where this Golden Rule came from, but it is the one doctrine that runs through virtually every belief system and religion known to man, and it should be the guiding principle for our politics too.

Leadership

Austerity Vs Democracy

Russell Razzaque M.D. on May 9, 2012

In these precarious times, emotionally intelligent leadership is about demonstrating a genuine connection with voters, rooted in compassion.

In these precarious times, emotionally intelligent leadership is about demonstrating a genuine connection with voters, rooted in compassion.

Leadership

Compromise Is Never a Dirty Word

Russell Razzaque M.D. on May 1, 2012

Being open to learn through the process you are engaged in, what ever that may be, is fundamental to creative, emotionally intelligent leadership.

Being open to learn through the process you are engaged in, what ever that may be, is fundamental to creative, emotionally intelligent leadership.

The saga of John Edwards is a reminder to us all that the same ego that builds us up, can also knock us down.

Research suggests that significant differences between men and women exist in particular aspects of emotional intelligence. This might help explain Obama's sizeable lead over Romney among women voters.

Education

Learning Humility From Lincoln

Russell Razzaque M.D. on April 10, 2012

Lincoln was the personification of emotional intelligence before anyone even knew what it meant.

Lincoln was the personification of emotional intelligence before anyone even knew what it meant.

Emotional Intelligence

FDR Was the Connecter-In-Chief

Russell Razzaque M.D. on April 3, 2012

A rare ability to connect, a determination to find solutions and the courage to keep experimenting until problems were solved; these were FDR’s hallmarks.

A rare ability to connect, a determination to find solutions and the courage to keep experimenting until problems were solved; these were FDR’s hallmarks.